Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Alberta's most underrated family camping destinations, and its trail network makes it easy to see why. Unlike some mountain parks where the best views demand a serious climb, Waterton has a genuine handful of short, well-maintained trails that lead to waterfalls, lakes, and postcard viewpoints without punishing small legs along the way.
Before you head out, remember that Waterton is part of the national park system, so a Parks Canada day pass is required for every vehicle entering the park — pick one up at the townsite visitor centre or gate kiosk, or bring your annual Discovery Pass if you already have one.
One thing that catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard is the wind. Waterton is famous for strong, sudden gusts that can show up even on an otherwise calm, sunny day, so pack windbreakers and hats you can cinch down, and hold small kids' hands near cliff edges or open viewpoints when it's gusty. It's always worth checking current conditions at the Waterton Visitor Centre before you set out.
The best season for most of these hikes runs from June through September, once the higher-elevation trails and the Akamina and Red Rock parkways are reliably open. Every hike on this list of 10 is rated Easy or Moderate and has been checked for young families — and if you've heard of Bear's Hump and are wondering why it's missing, that's deliberate: for all its popularity, it packs a genuinely steep, strenuous climb into a very short distance, and we left it off this list rather than include it with a caveat.
First-Time Rooftop Tent CampingDownload our free field guide (PDF)1. Cameron Falls
This is less a hike than a stroll — Cameron Falls tumbles right at the edge of the Waterton townsite, with a wide, level, paved walkway and viewing platforms along the creek. It's an easy first stop for little legs (or nap-time strollers) and a reliable "wow" moment with almost zero effort. Great for cooling off on a hot day since there's often a cool breeze coming off the falls.
2. Red Rock Canyon Loop
This short loop follows a footbridge-crossed canyon carved into strikingly red rock, with the creek rushing below. It's flat, well-maintained, and short enough for even reluctant walkers, but the canyon walls and clear water make it feel like a real adventure. Note the Red Rock Parkway closes in winter (roughly November to April), so this one's a warm-season stop only.
3. Blakiston Falls
Starting from the same Red Rock Canyon day-use area, this easy forest walk follows Blakiston Creek to a viewpoint over a rushing waterfall. The trail is well-shaded and well-maintained, making it a comfortable option even on a hot afternoon, and pairs perfectly with the Red Rock Canyon loop for one outing. It's a good pick if your kids need a "destination" (the falls) to stay motivated for a slightly longer walk.
4. Crandell Lake via Akamina Parkway
Reached from a trailhead partway along the scenic Akamina Parkway, this gentle forest trail winds through mixed woods to a peaceful little lake tucked below Mount Crandell. It's an easy, steady walk rather than a steep climb, and the payoff — a calm lake where kids can toss rocks or look for ducks — feels well worth it. This is prime wildlife habitat, so keep an eye out for deer and carry bear spray as you would on any Waterton trail.
5. Lower Bertha Falls
This is the "big kid" hike on the list — it climbs steadily for the first stretch before leveling out near the falls, so save it for children who are already comfortable walking a couple of hours. The reward is a lovely two-tiered waterfall and, along the way, open views over Upper Waterton Lake where the 2017 wildfire thinned the forest canopy. Because there's less shade now than there used to be, bring sun hats, sunscreen, and extra water. Do not continue past the falls to Bertha Lake with young kids — that stretch climbs much further and is a genuinely harder trail.
6. Waterton Townsite Lakeshore Walk
This flat, paved loop hugs the shore of Upper Waterton Lake right in the townsite, making it an easy pre-dinner or post-breakfast walk with young kids or a wagon in tow. There are benches, lake views toward the mountains, and usually a light breeze off the water (Waterton is famous for its winds, so hang onto hats). It connects naturally to Cameron Falls, so families can string both together into one easy townsite outing.
7. Bertha Bay via Waterton Lakeshore Trail
The full Waterton Lakeshore Trail runs all the way to the US border, but families don't need to go nearly that far — turning around at Bertha Bay makes a satisfying there-and-back hike along the forested western shore of Upper Waterton Lake. Kids get lake views, a small beach at the bay to explore, and the fun of walking along an "official" backcountry-style trail without a long slog. Pack layers, since it can be noticeably windier and cooler right along the open lakeshore.
8. Akamina Lake
Tucked just off the Akamina Parkway, this short and nearly flat walk through marshy forest leads to a small, secluded lake that feels like a private discovery. Sections of boardwalk and packed gravel make it easy footing for younger or less confident walkers, and the lake itself is calm and quiet — good for a snack break or quiet wildlife-watching. It's an easy add-on if you're already driving the parkway toward Cameron Lake.
9. Cameron Lakeshore Trail
At the end of the scenic Akamina Parkway, this flat, easy path follows the shore of a gorgeous alpine lake framed by mountains (including Mount Custer just across the US border). It's an excellent choice for younger kids since the terrain is gentle throughout, and Cameron Lake is also a popular spot for spotting grizzly bears on the far slopes with binoculars (from a safe distance) or renting a canoe at the boathouse afterward. This is a great "reward" hike to pair with a picnic.
10. Prince of Wales Loop
This easy loop circles the hill below the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, giving families sweeping views over Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes without any serious climbing. It's short enough for tired legs at the end of a travel day but scenic enough to feel like a real hike, and it's a great sunset spot. Hold onto hats and hoods here — this viewpoint catches Waterton's notoriously strong winds more than most trails on this list.
What to Pack for Family Hikes
None of these trails demand technical gear, but Waterton's weather rewards a little preparation. Bring more water than you think you'll need, snacks for motivation on the longer stretches, and layers you can add or shed quickly — the park's famous wind can turn a warm, sunny walk chilly in minutes, especially along open lakeshores and viewpoints like Prince of Wales Loop and Bertha Bay. A hat that cinches down and a light windbreaker are worth the space in your daypack even on a forecast-clear day.
This is bear country, so basic awareness matters even on short, popular trails: make noise as you walk, keep kids close, and carry bear spray you know how to use. Conditions in Waterton can change quickly after wind or rain events, so check the current Parks Canada trail report for Waterton Lakes National Park before you head out, and remember every vehicle needs a valid park pass at the gate.
Madusha Kumarasiri
Madusha Kumarasiri